JoJo35

...it seems that the problem isn't only here: http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1279449400/More+FAKE+spotting+%28Tudor+Content%29

Beautiful! Don't change a thing Nanuq, what you have there is the rarest of the rare. Original and never replaced Cyclop 127 Dome. Two other watches that I examined in NYC and almost purchased had these crystals (both were MkII chocolate dialed "meters-first" 1680's). Wear well, and enjoy the beauty of the cyclop!

My mistake, I accidently copied the wrong link. Here's the one I meant to post: http://cgi.ebay.com/1980-ROLEX-SEA-DWELLER-1665-S-6151xxx-1-Owner-/150466540004?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Wristwatches&hash=item23088131e4 I've seen two different types of white dial 1665 casebacks. The earlier one is similar to the caseback in the link above, and the later style appears to have thinner font stampings (I'm not sure if the later one might be a service replacement part). I agree that some of the pictures found on the net can be suspect; however, if you see a picture of a watch from a well known and trusted dealer and the watch looks 100% in every other regard, most likely the caseback will be correct. PS: Here is one from a dealer that shows one style: http://cgi.ebay.com/1980-VINTAGE-ROLEX-SEA-DWELLER-DATE-STEEL-1665-BOX-/230499194162?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35aad29532 ..and here's another one from the same dealer that shows the second style (a service caseback?): http://cgi.ebay.com/1983-MENS-ROLEX-SEA-DWELLER-DATE-RARE-1665-PLASTIC-/230499893176?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35aadd3fb8

Here's a subject not too often talked about, although I feel it should be discussed among the general membership for the good of our forum and the community in general. Although this (and other) rep forums generally discuss high-end replica timepieces that (opinion here) most of the membership simply can't afford, or are aiming toward, our for sale section has been "on the honor system" and very trustworthy for as long as I've been a member. Recently, however, I have noticed an abundance of "deals gone bad", as noted in the feedback section. So, I had to ask myself, what gives? For the most part, over the past few years I have noticed that even though differences in opinion crop up from time to time, our membership is composed mostly of avid and honest hobbyist. Somehow though, scammers still seem to weed their way in. So, IMO, buyer beware. Check out the seller regarding feedback, postcount, and community involvement, and don't be afraid to talk to the person you're about to send money to. Sometimes a quick phone conversation can answer a host of questions. Cheers, JJ

Here's an ebay ad that has one: http://www.network54.com/Forum/207673/message/1279327004/Pat+Pending+9315 I might be interested in it, but too many disclaimers in the discription.... buyer beware PS: I did a quick google image search for 1665 caseback and came up with about a dozen decent pictures... did you do a search before posting?

Alligoat, thanks so much for posting that thread up. Here's the link. That has got to be the most inclusive and informative thread I have ever read about the red 1680's. Definitely worth saving for those interested in gen vintage! Lol, looks like the "so called" Mk #'s got revised again!

Thanks everyone for your comments. I've found that the discussions here regarding vintage have always been much more interesting than most of the "show and tell" threads on the gen forums. As far as this piece goes, it's as gen and original as it gets. Regarding the dial, I have a feeling that those of us who have been around a while knew immediately it was gen. The watch is a 2.9 mil, and the dial is the so-called MkIII. The first of the open six "feet first" variants. This version and the later, slightly less "open-six" version can be seen on double red sea dweller dot com. Why that second open-six version was never called a MkIV is anyones guess, but after that one was the closed six version, and then the factory replacement dial. "Pateted" is amusing, isn't it? A quick search on any of the gen forums will return a host of threads regarding this extension, which was a very early seventies "mistake" that was original equipment on 5513's, 1680's, and 1665's. I'm surprised that no one mentioned the date wheel (other than mjmj) or crystal? Both interesting early variants as well. Thanks for reading, JJ

Haven't posted here in a while, so I took some time out of my busy day today to take some pics of one of my favorites to post up:

Very nice JMB, but why not a gen bracelet? These are cheap on the bay. Perhaps even a gen 16mm buckle and leather strap

I agree jmb, the older watches certainly do seem to have more "soul". In fact, I was just thinking about that yesterday. Yesterday's wrist choice was a transitional matte 16800. Although I like the watch, I still don't love it. I think the main reason is the flat crystal. For some reason, it seems lifeless on the old submariner (although oddly, flat 1680 crystals still have life). I thought about that for a while, and realized that one of the most appealing aspects of the vintage pieces is the dome plexi. When I originally found L's speedking, it was a bit beat up, it needed service, and it still had a replacement flat-top crystal. With a little research and some luck, I was able to purchase a NOS dome plexi for it. Movement service was completed by the Zigmiester

Both are nice, but FYI, even the straight up flat tops were service replacement crystals. Original 1680 crystals were dome cyclops

Nice work JMB, congrats, I really like it. The small gens grow on you once you learn to appreciate the marque. Here's a pic of a speedking I found for L. Her watch is in the foreground; in the background is a full size 6424:

It's one of the parts in my parts box. Aged by the Palp, and sitting on top of a Swiss 2836-2 (along with an aged set of hands, all put together and ready to go). This is a set from one of my very first MBWs, from back in the day when only a few (very) hard to find people could even get one for you. I ended up with a gen dial and movement in the case, still running strong and gorgeous as ever. If someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse I might be convinced to sell

Thanks for the input guys. L and I had a great time last night. The reception was terrific, and the penthouse deck offered a nice break from the party for couples who wanted to get some air and take in the view of Manhattan on a pleasant summer night. I seriously considered the 18k datejust, but wasn't really in much of a "gold" mood. Like I mentioned earlier, I went with the black dialed big red. Understated enough, yet classy. With all the people there, I thought I would see a few nice pieces, but much to my surprise, I didn't spot even one.

That's it. we're out the door. Although L has tried to talk me into wearing the 18k vintage datejust, I've decided to put the 6263 on the wrist. L is wearing her diamond bezel Angelus

Ok, here's the dilemma: L and I are headed out to Manhattan tonight to attend a wedding in the penthouse of one of the luxury hotels. So, the question is, what should be on the wrist? Although I tend to lean toward high-end for affairs like this, a side of me shouts out to wear the 6538. Here's the choices I've narrowed down, starting with the most likely choice: 6263, 6265, 18k Datejust, 1665dbl sws undln, 1665 chcl, 14k op undln, 16610LV Y sers, 116400LV, 5513 unln, 6541?

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Red, these are just pressed in, and can be driven out quite easily JJ

FYI, there's a couple of these cases on the bay right now

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